Why Are You Wearing Those Stupid GOD Suits?

If you are a person of faith and a science fiction film shatters that faith, then it was hardly there to begin with. I think everyone here is smart enough to see this as merely a script but I also believe there will be some nuts picketing theaters.

RSAND: You reminded me of when I saw "The Debt" in theaters. Some older man stood up about halfway through the movie, shouted "This is BS! This is a pack of lies!" Then he stormed out. Woah dude...calm down, it's just a movie. Heck, it never even once said it was based on a true story. Some people are just wound too tight.

I am an atheist evolutionary biologist and I have no problems with other people's opinion. I also deeply believe religion does more harm than good, though again, I am fine with people who keep it to themselves or discuss in a laid back way when it's brought in the discussion. I was in a private catholic school and hence was taught about religion/belief, so I respect and value the spiritual life it can get in some people. I however turn viscerally antireligious about anyone who hits me in the face with his bible/quran/torah or anything else, or about religion-governed countries. It is something I can only hope time will change in emerging countries. It is something I however find highly dangerous when it is still rooted in some developed countries. Working quite a lot in/with the US, I am amazed and revolted that american culture still cannot get rid of the archaic remnants of that... 'In god we trust' on the bills, unofficial 'god bless america' anthem, 'One Nation under God' in the pledge of allegiance, the Bible in courtrooms... (I'm French btw, we hold our Laïcité very close to our heart - even religious people) Add to that vivid creationists and that only 35% of the pop believes in Evolution (comparable to Turkey), while the [u]mean[/u] in Europe is closer to 65-70% (up to ~85%)... very scary. @Neurion I understand your point. However, like Taylor Caudie said, I think you really shouldn't worry. It seems pretty clear we were created by the Engineers in the movie, which makes them our 'creators' anyway you put it. Now, I won't buy that as an evolutionary biologist but will sure enjoy it, why would that be different for you regarding your faith? Also, if I may give a friendly example of what lets me puzzled and in discomfort too... I am obviously going to wonder why you chose to say 'God bless' at the end of your messages. I go "is it on purpose? he could say 'cheers/take care/have fun...' anything, but he chooses to say that. Actually, I know it's nice cause God blessing me is like the best you can wish for me. But some will also think you're force-feeding them your faith. I would really not have brought that if the discussion didn't go that way cause I am not really bothered by such simple everyday things. I just thought it was a good way to put you in someone else's shoes. I am sure ole'Darwin is looking after us, so lets just say I hope you guys have a great one ;)

@JP "You'd have to be an imbecile of the highest order to be upset by this film...." You might wanna zip that up, your God Complex is showing.

I removed my own snarky comment. Because I am just that nice.

You're such a lovely softie, takka_takka_takka...

@Neurion Not to sound like a total suck up....those are my thoughts exactly without one hair out of place. I always ramble into my theory at some point but here I'll resist that....except to say that Shaw does see her faith rewarded, but not how she expected. .....putting up the whole enchilada if and when more new PR comes out...if not, 2 days before opening

Well this movie i assume is going to go with the whole..... God does not and has never existed as far as a Spiritual Powerful being like in the Bible. Thus he is going for in the Alien Universe that maybe the Engineers created us or had some part in our manipulation. Maybe Ridley would touch up on that God does not exist in the Biblical sence for this movie but it is after all just a movie. As far as the debates about the real truth.... maybe we shall never know, to a certain extent..... Evolution, Bible Creation, Alien Creators are all Theories, Beleafs that i guess are all a question of Faith.

This is a good movie which is under FOX studios which is owned by bunch of believers who control media, so i don't think there is much for biblical fanatics to worry about this movie.

@iapetus It was not my intent to provoke a religious debate. In my original post, I was merely sharing what I thought the crux of the film’s plot might include. I’m afraid I don’t agree with some of your ideas. Shaw’s character is some kind of a “believer,” who goes to the stars looking for answers regarding the creation of mankind. When she says, “I was so wrong.” What is she referring to? That she’s realized that God does not exist…in the conventional sense? Or that man’s creators are actually alien hostiles? OR that the civilization they find are monsters, who did NOT create man…and thus she was SO WRONG? Hell, I don’t know…obviously I haven’t seen flick. I’m just suggesting ideas. Unfortunately, there are haters on both sides of the God vs. No God debate. And I’ve dealt with didactic assholes on both sides. What is known, is that about 97.5% of the world’s population believes in some kind of supernatural God/Creator. Now, that doesn’t mean they’re right…I’m just saying that it’s not a “minority report.” Doesn’t make ‘em right, but it also doesn’t make ‘em wrong. For myself, I’m only interested in trying to make sure that whatever I learn and believe in…is in fact the truth. Whatever the subject, no matter how easy or difficult the information may be to accept or embrace, my endeavor is to seek out the actual truth…regardless of my personal comfort level or preconceived notions. This approach to life can be difficult and frustrating. However, for me this path is also often very peaceful, honest, and with less regret. So, how can I know the truth? Well, in my opinion, our society has been either lulled, seduced, atrophied or whatever…into a state of dangerous relativism. Nothing is really absolute for our current culture. Nothing is objective. Everything seems to be subjective… “How do you feel or think about said issue?” Fact is…there ARE absolutes. Like in physics, there is gravity…whether one likes it or not. A person could become dissatisfied with their own finitude and earthly limitations, and decide to jump out of the window of a 50 story building, in order to defy gravity and the laws of physics. Before long, the jumper would realize that he is not going to break the laws of physics…the laws are going to break him. An almighty God either exists, or it does not. If it does not…I hope to find or hear a compelling argument to convince me of that fact in my lifetime. Conversely, if a God does exist, I hope to find or experience convincing proof, arguments, and answers to satiate my personal and profound (at least to me) questions regarding this issue. I’m not a very religious person, but I do find myself to be a spiritual person. Based on my personal research in world religions, science, and multicultural studies…I’ve come to believe that there IS an almighty God, who is the Creator of all things. A large part of this belief and its formation grew out of the concept of “The Uncaused Caused” or “Prime Mover” concept included in Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica text. I can’t get around the logic of that document. It makes absolute and complete sense to me. Going back to a “Big Bang” origin concept…which I’m sure occurred…How do you get something from nothingness? What or who touched off the big bang? So for me, it all starts there. The being, entity, force, event…or whatever it was…is what I call God. After that, for me it’s a matter of trying to acquire further knowledge of this God, and try to forge a relationship with it…if possible. ~N

man did I ever love that film "Donnie Darko", maybe one of the smartest films made in modern times and it went right over everyone's head!

Neurion To your original post, I have to say that 'your take' is pretty much my take as well, as far as how you see the 'engineers' and Shaw. But I suspect that Shaws faith is ultimately rewarded in a twist that she had not anticipated....the 'engineers' let her down, yes, but a creation of her species does not and I mean of course David. Shaw may or may not survive, but she enables or sets in motion the impetus for David to transcend his original purpose. I believe it is David who is standing in for the figure of Prometheus, not the humans, not Weyland. We have seen by the trailers that humans investigating these ET artifacts come down with some pretty bad reactions.... David will be the one to take from his creators, not the Prometheus crew dabbling with the 'engineers' technology. And according to myth, David will suffer a punishment....the loss of his innocence. Thats what happens when you grow up.

Any thread title with the word GOD in it, in my experience, is going to eventually result in a religious debate with folks ultimately becoming offended. As long as the discussion can remain civil (attack ideas; not people), then I don't see why this discussion shouldn't go forward. It REALLY strikes at the heart of our movie, Prometheus. Shying away from the often difficult subject of "religion" only lends it power. This has been a very thought-provoking thread. Thank-you, Neurion for starting it though I know you didn't intend it to become heated. -A

Trust me, not a lot of scientists agree with the ancient alien theory. There is no evidence to support it and it is unsubstantiated. Science does not accept unverified claims.